What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

The three main types of mesothelioma are defined by the area of the body in which the cancer first develops, and each has its own mesothelioma symptoms.  Because of the disease’s long latency period, many people have no symptoms at all in the initial stages.  Also, because mesothelioma is a comparatively rare form of cancer, when people do experience symptoms, they are often mistaken for other illnesses or diseases.

Regardless of the type of mesothelioma, the symptoms are caused by the thickening of the mesothelium—or membrane—surrounding the organ and the effusion—or fluid build-up—in the area.  Normally the mesothelium maintains a balance and eliminates excess fluid.  However, its function is hampered by the development of cancerous cells.

Pleural mesothelioma symptoms

The most common form of the disease, pleural mesothelioma develops in the lining surrounding the lungs.  In the case of pleural mesothelioma, the thickening of the membrane and the effusion create a sensation of heaviness in the chest and shortness of breath.  Five percent of patients experience symptoms in both lungs when they are diagnosed, and 60 percent of patients experience symptoms only in the right lung.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the peritoneum, which is the membrane surrounding the organs in the abdomen. As a result, most symptoms are related to this area of the body.  The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:

Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is cancer in the lining surrounding the heart. While some symptoms are similar to pleural mesothelioma, most symptoms are heart related.  The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include:

See a mesothelioma doctor immediately if there are any signs of a symptom of mesothelioma, especially when coupled with asbestos exposure.